Cyberattacks have also affected payments to freelancers and contractors working for the company, as ransomware attacks have been suspended due to suspected ransomware attacks on newspaper publishing giant Lee Enterprises.
The Lee Enterprises cyberattack on February 3 caused widespread suspensions and continued disruption in dozens of newspapers across the United States, including delays in print editions. On February 18, Lee confirmed that hackers “encrypted” “critical, encrypted applications” that affect the company's business, including “distribution of products, billing, collections and vendor payments.”
One contractor of Lee's property was asked not to be identified due to fear of retaliation, told TechCrunch that as an outside vendor, he was still not paid for their work a month after the cyberattack.
The person told TechCrunch that Lee Enterprises was working on the issue, but he hadn't heard anything from the company since mid-February. Those owing thousands of dollars said the situation is causing anxiety and uncertainty.
“Lee Enterprises and its subsidiaries work with a diverse network of vendors to serve the company's operations,” the person said. “This vendor network includes both businesses and individual freelance workers who have been hired to carry out a variety of services, including the production of editorial content,” they added.
The contractor said there is no estimated timeline as to when the vendor's payment system can be expected to run again.
TechCrunch understands that, but one of the systems Lee Enterprises employees use to submit fee rebates is still unaccessible.
When asked about payments to vendors, freelancers and contractors, Lee spokesman Tracy Rouch failed to comment on February 18th, beyond the company's regulatory application.
According to the filing, Lee said the cyberattacks “are likely to have a material impact on the company's financial position or results of operations.”
Qilin, a prolific ransomware gang known for its destructive cyber attacks, has since been praised for its cyberattacks at Lee Enterprises for its dark web leak site post.
Rouch said Lee Enterprises “aware of the claim and is currently under investigation.”
Carly Page provided the report.
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